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Hell Divers #4
Wolves
They dive so humanity survives. Now they take to the sea.
In the fourth installment of the award-winning and USA Today bestselling Hell Divers series, the Sea Wolf sets out to search for the Metal Islands. Leading the expedition is legendary Hell Diver Xavier Rodriguez. After enduring for a decade on the poisoned surface, his survival skills will be put to the test on the dangerous open seas. But storms, sea monsters, and the cannibalistic Cazadores aren’t the only threat to X and his small crew. Their mission will uncover hard truths about the history of the war that left humankind stranded in the air for centuries. And the fate of those still living on the airships might very well rest on this fragile and perilous journey to find a new home.
In the fourth installment of the award-winning and USA Today bestselling Hell Divers series, the Sea Wolf sets out to search for the Metal Islands. Leading the expedition is legendary Hell Diver Xavier Rodriguez. After enduring for a decade on the poisoned surface, his survival skills will be put to the test on the dangerous open seas. But storms, sea monsters, and the cannibalistic Cazadores aren’t the only threat to X and his small crew. Their mission will uncover hard truths about the history of the war that left humankind stranded in the air for centuries. And the fate of those still living on the airships might very well rest on this fragile and perilous journey to find a new home.
336 pages, ebook
First published November 6, 2018
817 people are currently reading
1426 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,384 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
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Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
February 7, 2019
What can I say about an NSS novel that I haven’t already fangirled about in all my other reviews? Just when you though X and his friends were going to find some semblance of piece, you realize another war is just about to begin. I can’t really say anything here without spoiling the story for anyone that hasn’t already read the first 3 books of the series. But, suffice it to say, this has all the action, emotions, and radioactive monsters you would expect from an NSS book. And, just like every other book in one of his series, it ends with me screaming at myself for not just waiting for the whole dang series to be out so I could go right on to the next book.
Received via Netgalley and reviewed of my own accord.
Received via Netgalley and reviewed of my own accord.
December 21, 2018
When I started reading this series I didn’t realize that it was going to have so many books. Fortunately they have managed to hold my interest, and the end is in sight. I don’t usually read series, and when I do I tend to skip around, but you really need to read this series in order from the beginning. Characters introduced in the first book are still around, and still looking for a permanent home on Earth for the survivors of the mysterious events that forced all remaining humans to take to the sky in airships. I like the characters, and the author has a way with exciting action sequences. He is also good at creating new monsters to battle, including a giant octopus and killer robots. In case you are sensitive to this, you should be aware that a dog is repeatedly endangered and injured in this book. The book ends with a cliffhanger. One more book to go. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
October 25, 2018
In the final moments of the third Hell Divers novel, Deliverance, Nicholas Sansbury Smith promised to change up the formula a bit and deliver a fourth novel covering some terrain we hadn't seen too much of in this sky- and radioactive wastelands-focused series. Smith immediately delivers on that promise in the opening chapter of Wolves, shifting the focus of his series from the deadly skies to the equally terrifying seas.
As a fan of aquatic horror and survival at sea stories, this is very much a welcome expansion to the Hell Divers canon, but it's not all smooth sailing for the book's characters. Xavier "X" Rodriguez and his partner Magnolia Katib has hit the high seas on a mission of revenge, aiming to track down the Cazadores, a cannibalistic cult of killers, and lead the small remnants of humanity of the Metal Islands, possibly the closest thing left to paradise on Earth.
Although X's adventures by boat are a large part of Wolves's focus, Smith hasn't forgotten about the airships and their crew. The addition of the airship Deliverance has helped make life more comfortable for those aboard the Hive, but they can't get too cozy just yet. After all, it wouldn't be a very exciting story if half the book's characters were able to just lounge about sipping tea. There's still plenty of action left for those characters in the skies, and the fresh squadron of Hell Divers manage to find themselves in way over their heads in short order.
Smith keeps this book running right from the opening pages, with the pace cranked all the way up to frenetic, juggling some big action set pieces between both the A- and B-plots. Wolves is a fast, energetic read, and it's easy to sink into the narrative. The climax is exciting as hell with its Mad Max-at-sea action - a welcome source of post-apocalyptic inspiration, and one I hope Smith elaborates on further in the next book.
However, with a fifth Hell Divers title on the way in the first half of 2019, a lot of Wolves feels like prelude, giving it a middle-child vibe a lot of series suffer from. Wolves cannot resolve all of its plot elements, and much of what's here is set-up for Captives, purportedly the series finale, to resolve. That said, Smith certainly packs Wolves full of new material, expanding on the historical record of his series and introducing some new and highly durable threats that I hope to see more of soon.
Between the change of scenery and a few new enemies for X and his fellow Hell Divers to confront, Smith has injected a welcome bit of freshness into the end-game of his series. Wolves sets the stage for the grand finale, but as the Hell Divers series as a whole has shown, for Smith, the sky isn't the limit - it's just a good place to start.
[Note: I received an advanced reading copy of this title from the author.]
As a fan of aquatic horror and survival at sea stories, this is very much a welcome expansion to the Hell Divers canon, but it's not all smooth sailing for the book's characters. Xavier "X" Rodriguez and his partner Magnolia Katib has hit the high seas on a mission of revenge, aiming to track down the Cazadores, a cannibalistic cult of killers, and lead the small remnants of humanity of the Metal Islands, possibly the closest thing left to paradise on Earth.
Although X's adventures by boat are a large part of Wolves's focus, Smith hasn't forgotten about the airships and their crew. The addition of the airship Deliverance has helped make life more comfortable for those aboard the Hive, but they can't get too cozy just yet. After all, it wouldn't be a very exciting story if half the book's characters were able to just lounge about sipping tea. There's still plenty of action left for those characters in the skies, and the fresh squadron of Hell Divers manage to find themselves in way over their heads in short order.
Smith keeps this book running right from the opening pages, with the pace cranked all the way up to frenetic, juggling some big action set pieces between both the A- and B-plots. Wolves is a fast, energetic read, and it's easy to sink into the narrative. The climax is exciting as hell with its Mad Max-at-sea action - a welcome source of post-apocalyptic inspiration, and one I hope Smith elaborates on further in the next book.
However, with a fifth Hell Divers title on the way in the first half of 2019, a lot of Wolves feels like prelude, giving it a middle-child vibe a lot of series suffer from. Wolves cannot resolve all of its plot elements, and much of what's here is set-up for Captives, purportedly the series finale, to resolve. That said, Smith certainly packs Wolves full of new material, expanding on the historical record of his series and introducing some new and highly durable threats that I hope to see more of soon.
Between the change of scenery and a few new enemies for X and his fellow Hell Divers to confront, Smith has injected a welcome bit of freshness into the end-game of his series. Wolves sets the stage for the grand finale, but as the Hell Divers series as a whole has shown, for Smith, the sky isn't the limit - it's just a good place to start.
[Note: I received an advanced reading copy of this title from the author.]
November 15, 2021
Wolves
(Hell Divers #4)
by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Really enjoying this series! The dog is still alive after all this so I am very happy! There are all kinds of monsters, radiation, action, battles, and even cannibals and the dear dog lives! He even has a modified radiation suit!
They finally find the metal mountains. I couldn't figure out what they meant until, duh, oil rigs! This is hundreds of years in the future and history has been lost. Slowly the reader is learning what happened to the planet but only by bits and pieces. Can't wait to get the full picture.
(Hell Divers #4)
by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Really enjoying this series! The dog is still alive after all this so I am very happy! There are all kinds of monsters, radiation, action, battles, and even cannibals and the dear dog lives! He even has a modified radiation suit!
They finally find the metal mountains. I couldn't figure out what they meant until, duh, oil rigs! This is hundreds of years in the future and history has been lost. Slowly the reader is learning what happened to the planet but only by bits and pieces. Can't wait to get the full picture.
November 7, 2022
4 out of 5!
Still enjoying the series, although Wolves does get darker with more interactions with the Cazadores.
Any parts involving them are always hard for me to read.
But as with the other Hell Divers books, Wolves is also action-packed.
And we continue to learn more about what happened to cause the destruction of our planet, which I always enjoy.
I did want more time on Deliverance, since time on the airships has always been a big part of books 1-3.
Also, this one was a little more brutal with the kills and injuries. There were two times where my mouth was hanging open in shock.
There was even a twist that I didn't see coming.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith continues to surprise me.
But, I'm not sure if I'll continue with book 5. I know more time will be spent with the Cazadores and I'm not sure I can stomach it.
TW: Animal harm, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/VShZMPpbY0Q
Still enjoying the series, although Wolves does get darker with more interactions with the Cazadores.
Any parts involving them are always hard for me to read.
But as with the other Hell Divers books, Wolves is also action-packed.
And we continue to learn more about what happened to cause the destruction of our planet, which I always enjoy.
I did want more time on Deliverance, since time on the airships has always been a big part of books 1-3.
Also, this one was a little more brutal with the kills and injuries. There were two times where my mouth was hanging open in shock.
There was even a twist that I didn't see coming.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith continues to surprise me.
But, I'm not sure if I'll continue with book 5. I know more time will be spent with the Cazadores and I'm not sure I can stomach it.
TW: Animal harm, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/VShZMPpbY0Q
November 13, 2018
Publishing Date: November 2018
Publisher: Blackstone
ISBN: 9781538557105
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 3.7/5
Publisher's Description: Sea Wolf sets out to search for the Metal Islands. Leading the expedition is legendary Hell Diver Xavier Rodriguez. After enduring for a decade on the poisoned surface, his survival skills will be put to the test on the dangerous open seas.
Review: If you have a hard time suspending your disbelief in lieu of a factual story line....forget reading this series. But....if you like a Doc Savage-esque modern rendition of over-the-top action and unbelievable scenarios then hop on board the Silly Train.
X (Xavier Rodriguez) is a manly mans-man with manly mannerisms steeped in vitriol. He has a penchant for revenge laced violence while sacrificing self in order to save the ones he loves..... or kinda likes. He is constantly wounded yet battles through the pain to overcome all manner of beasties including teeth clacking cannibals.
So while I was picking the corn out my shjt I noticed a few firearm fails and the impossibility of new species born of the nuclear holocaust after only 200 years. Godzilla could not be reached for comment so grain of salt and all that.
Giving this novel a good review rating is like admitting you like disco music. But dammit, whats not to like about giant mutant octopi, armored hog/wolves, crazed laser shooting robots and man-sized predacious vultures?
You can get all of my reviews HERE.
Publisher: Blackstone
ISBN: 9781538557105
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 3.7/5
Publisher's Description: Sea Wolf sets out to search for the Metal Islands. Leading the expedition is legendary Hell Diver Xavier Rodriguez. After enduring for a decade on the poisoned surface, his survival skills will be put to the test on the dangerous open seas.
Review: If you have a hard time suspending your disbelief in lieu of a factual story line....forget reading this series. But....if you like a Doc Savage-esque modern rendition of over-the-top action and unbelievable scenarios then hop on board the Silly Train.
X (Xavier Rodriguez) is a manly mans-man with manly mannerisms steeped in vitriol. He has a penchant for revenge laced violence while sacrificing self in order to save the ones he loves..... or kinda likes. He is constantly wounded yet battles through the pain to overcome all manner of beasties including teeth clacking cannibals.
So while I was picking the corn out my shjt I noticed a few firearm fails and the impossibility of new species born of the nuclear holocaust after only 200 years. Godzilla could not be reached for comment so grain of salt and all that.
Giving this novel a good review rating is like admitting you like disco music. But dammit, whats not to like about giant mutant octopi, armored hog/wolves, crazed laser shooting robots and man-sized predacious vultures?
You can get all of my reviews HERE.
November 2, 2018
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
These books are so intense, every single one of them! It doesn’t matter if the characters are in the air, on land, or at sea—the author still writes a gripping, nail-biting story.
This was another great book in the series with the same great things as the others. The world was complex and horrifying, yet believable. The characters were complex and flawed and gruff and realistic but still likeable for their good qualities and their good intentions. The Hell Divers especially deserve some recognition, not just for the way they risked their lives going to the surface but for the way they constantly risked their lives for each other, never willing to leave someone behind if they could help it. The relationships between characters were also imperfect and complex. The scenes that took place on the surface and at sea were full of danger and action and monstrous creatures.
*The next three paragraphs of this review may contain SPOILERS for previous books in the series.*
Much like previous books, this one had multiple POVs and multiple groups of characters doing different things, but it’s a format that works because there’s always a lot going on, and all of it is important.
X, Magnolia, and Miles (X’s dog) were off in a boat trying to find the fabled Metal Islands. Being at sea brought some slightly different dangers, and there was just as much detail and immersion and realism in regards to the sailing as there’s been for weapons, airships, and everything else in this series. (At least, I assume so since I don’t actually know anything about any of these things.) But the characters were still the most interesting part, especially X. He was still the same person, but he was also a little different then he was before his ten years on the surface, which makes sense. He was even more gruff, he had little patience for other people, and he seemed to have some problems with anger, but he still had a good heart and, more than anything, wanted to keep his friends and loved ones safe. Plus, he’s one badass old man! Ok, he's not actually old, but he's not young either, and "badass middle-aged man" doesn't have the same ring to it ;-) Not to mention that life has not exactly been kind to him. I think he manages to pull things off through sheer determination sometimes.
Meanwhile, Katrina and all the old and new Hell Divers undocked the Deliverance and left for a mission. Like the captains before her, Katrina had to make some hard decisions, while Michael, Layla, Les, and Erin ended up back on the surface facing dangers of their own, including some new monsters. The Raptors are a great team though; they really look out for each other, and I love that.
*END SPOILERS*
This book had a few surprises, some good, some bad. And although there were consequences and things are still bleak for many of the characters, there’s hope too, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Nicholas Sanbury Smith's Hell Divers Series. Anyone looking for a crazy, intense, gritty, gripping, unique post-apocalyptic story and gruff, flawed, but still likeable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
These books are so intense, every single one of them! It doesn’t matter if the characters are in the air, on land, or at sea—the author still writes a gripping, nail-biting story.
This was another great book in the series with the same great things as the others. The world was complex and horrifying, yet believable. The characters were complex and flawed and gruff and realistic but still likeable for their good qualities and their good intentions. The Hell Divers especially deserve some recognition, not just for the way they risked their lives going to the surface but for the way they constantly risked their lives for each other, never willing to leave someone behind if they could help it. The relationships between characters were also imperfect and complex. The scenes that took place on the surface and at sea were full of danger and action and monstrous creatures.
*The next three paragraphs of this review may contain SPOILERS for previous books in the series.*
Much like previous books, this one had multiple POVs and multiple groups of characters doing different things, but it’s a format that works because there’s always a lot going on, and all of it is important.
X, Magnolia, and Miles (X’s dog) were off in a boat trying to find the fabled Metal Islands. Being at sea brought some slightly different dangers, and there was just as much detail and immersion and realism in regards to the sailing as there’s been for weapons, airships, and everything else in this series. (At least, I assume so since I don’t actually know anything about any of these things.) But the characters were still the most interesting part, especially X. He was still the same person, but he was also a little different then he was before his ten years on the surface, which makes sense. He was even more gruff, he had little patience for other people, and he seemed to have some problems with anger, but he still had a good heart and, more than anything, wanted to keep his friends and loved ones safe. Plus, he’s one badass old man! Ok, he's not actually old, but he's not young either, and "badass middle-aged man" doesn't have the same ring to it ;-) Not to mention that life has not exactly been kind to him. I think he manages to pull things off through sheer determination sometimes.
Meanwhile, Katrina and all the old and new Hell Divers undocked the Deliverance and left for a mission. Like the captains before her, Katrina had to make some hard decisions, while Michael, Layla, Les, and Erin ended up back on the surface facing dangers of their own, including some new monsters. The Raptors are a great team though; they really look out for each other, and I love that.
*END SPOILERS*
This book had a few surprises, some good, some bad. And although there were consequences and things are still bleak for many of the characters, there’s hope too, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Nicholas Sanbury Smith's Hell Divers Series. Anyone looking for a crazy, intense, gritty, gripping, unique post-apocalyptic story and gruff, flawed, but still likeable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
November 19, 2018
Book 4 sees a change of pace for all involved.... Ha, only kidding, this is a Smith book after all!! The book starts with an absolute bang and doesn't let up. I devoured this as fast as I could and forwent sleep to finish!!
Literally within the few pages the ship that X, Magnolia and Miles are on is attacked by a giant monster! They have their hands full and things are extremely tense. The author makes it such a way that you can't see what's coming. My heart was in my mouth because I didn't know what was going to happen. In fact, through out the whole book, I was kept on tenderhooks because I had no clue where the plot was going!! There are so many twists and turns that it was impossible to tell.
Then we have the characters that are on the airships. At the end of the last book, they had managed to get another airship, Deliverance, and with that, life upon the ships have gotten better for all. Yet the Hell Divers are still needed and their latest dive is going to test even the hardest one! Certain things come to light when the Divers land on an island that will shake them to the core.
There is so much I want to say about the plot and what is revealed, and what happens to certain characters and what happens to other characters, but I can't!!!! I truly believe that this is Smith's best work to date. The pacing never lets up and the characters will squeeze your heart. So much is revealed and so much is set in place for the next in the series! You can just tell that everything the author does here is a set up for what's sure to be an explosive end!
This author has never failed to deliver an amazing read, and this one is no different. Its everything you could want in a book!! Jam packed with action, adventure, edge of your seat pacing, characters that will captivate you and a story you will fall in love with. Absolutely epic installment in one of my favourite series! Highly, Highly recommend.
Literally within the few pages the ship that X, Magnolia and Miles are on is attacked by a giant monster! They have their hands full and things are extremely tense. The author makes it such a way that you can't see what's coming. My heart was in my mouth because I didn't know what was going to happen. In fact, through out the whole book, I was kept on tenderhooks because I had no clue where the plot was going!! There are so many twists and turns that it was impossible to tell.
Then we have the characters that are on the airships. At the end of the last book, they had managed to get another airship, Deliverance, and with that, life upon the ships have gotten better for all. Yet the Hell Divers are still needed and their latest dive is going to test even the hardest one! Certain things come to light when the Divers land on an island that will shake them to the core.
There is so much I want to say about the plot and what is revealed, and what happens to certain characters and what happens to other characters, but I can't!!!! I truly believe that this is Smith's best work to date. The pacing never lets up and the characters will squeeze your heart. So much is revealed and so much is set in place for the next in the series! You can just tell that everything the author does here is a set up for what's sure to be an explosive end!
This author has never failed to deliver an amazing read, and this one is no different. Its everything you could want in a book!! Jam packed with action, adventure, edge of your seat pacing, characters that will captivate you and a story you will fall in love with. Absolutely epic installment in one of my favourite series! Highly, Highly recommend.
November 23, 2018
I was ready for a change of pace with this series and Sansbury-Smith delivered it with Wolves. He takes us from sky to sea in this story as X & Magnolia search via boat for the Metal Islands, a place they hope that all the people on the Hive & Deliverance can call home one day. Of course, they're met with tons of obstacles like an oversized octopus, cannibalistic Calzadores and murderous AI's, just to name a few.
This book was basically a segway into the last book, Captives, and final showdown with the Cazadores. I'm looking forward to its release to see how that all plays out.
This book was basically a segway into the last book, Captives, and final showdown with the Cazadores. I'm looking forward to its release to see how that all plays out.
November 27, 2018
This series is amazing. Both my husband and I read it and thoroughly enjoy it. This had a massive cliffhanger that both of us were quite frustrated with--but only because it meant we had to wait to see what happens. Cannot wait for 5.
September 24, 2020
I am now fairly certain that I'm a Nicholas Sansbury Smith fan.
Before this series, I wasn't much of an action book lover. On paper, it never felt as big and loud and packed as it did when watching it on a screen. The Hell Divers series proved me wrong. I don't think I've ever read anything so exciting.
I can't believe the authors amazing ability to come up with so much stuff. Even after three books full of action and drama and and new elements to his post-apocalyptic world, he hits me with more-- plus three more books to follow! Throughout listening to this (audio)book in particular, my jaw dropped, I teared up, and I got goosebumps-- three reactions that I normally don't get a lot while reading fiction. I was looking through Nicholas Sansbury Smith's other books and while they don't look like things I'd normally pick up ever, but I'm going to grab myself a copy after reading the rest of this series because this author is amazing at what he does.
Before this series, I wasn't much of an action book lover. On paper, it never felt as big and loud and packed as it did when watching it on a screen. The Hell Divers series proved me wrong. I don't think I've ever read anything so exciting.
I can't believe the authors amazing ability to come up with so much stuff. Even after three books full of action and drama and and new elements to his post-apocalyptic world, he hits me with more-- plus three more books to follow! Throughout listening to this (audio)book in particular, my jaw dropped, I teared up, and I got goosebumps-- three reactions that I normally don't get a lot while reading fiction. I was looking through Nicholas Sansbury Smith's other books and while they don't look like things I'd normally pick up ever, but I'm going to grab myself a copy after reading the rest of this series because this author is amazing at what he does.
November 6, 2018
"Accept your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. Face your future without fear."
First of all, if you haven't read the first three books in this series, you really should. NOTE: There might be minor plot spoilers in this review.
This was another excellent addition to the continuing saga of the Hell Divers and surviving humanity.
It is 260+ years in the future after the catastrophic World War III. Xavier "X", Miles the husky dog, and Mags set sail following up on the rumors of the Metal Islands. Mags is still mourning the loss of Rodger "Dodger" in book three.
Both the HIVE and the DELIVERANCE airships are now being used as homes for surviving humanity and are now led by Katrina, the new Captain.
The story continues with excitement leading the way through the pages of the story. Humanity now has some hope for better days in the future but the hope doesn't come without loss.
I loved this installment as much as previous books. Author Smith has a very real talent for drawing readers into his stories. Excitement, battles, Hell Divers, horrific foes, and even surprises are in this book.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review. I also have pre-ordered the book (as always) because this is an author I definitely want to support.
First of all, if you haven't read the first three books in this series, you really should. NOTE: There might be minor plot spoilers in this review.
This was another excellent addition to the continuing saga of the Hell Divers and surviving humanity.
It is 260+ years in the future after the catastrophic World War III. Xavier "X", Miles the husky dog, and Mags set sail following up on the rumors of the Metal Islands. Mags is still mourning the loss of Rodger "Dodger" in book three.
Both the HIVE and the DELIVERANCE airships are now being used as homes for surviving humanity and are now led by Katrina, the new Captain.
The story continues with excitement leading the way through the pages of the story. Humanity now has some hope for better days in the future but the hope doesn't come without loss.
I loved this installment as much as previous books. Author Smith has a very real talent for drawing readers into his stories. Excitement, battles, Hell Divers, horrific foes, and even surprises are in this book.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review. I also have pre-ordered the book (as always) because this is an author I definitely want to support.
December 20, 2018
Terminus
"Sanctuary for all. Community for all. Those who arrive survive."
It's a trap! Run! Cannibals!
This was an episode of The Walking Dead. Xavier Rodriguez is Rick Grimes.
The Walking Dead has gone on too long. Find the cure and end the show. One of the problems with TWD is i feel little for the 2nd generation of survivors. That's how i feel about book 4 of Hell Divers. Who are Les, Layla, Edgar, Vish, Sandy, and the others? X, Mags, Miles, and Pepper's story was interesting but the second group uhm i forgot their names not so much.
Giant octopuses, armored hogs, and man sized birds not to mention cannibals. Hey what's not to like about this book but feels that this would have worked better as a trilogy instead of a pentalogy.
C-3PO is a killer?
So how do they know how to pilot the USS Zion a Navy ship? Was the key left in the ignition? The radio and satellites work after sitting idol for over two centuries? Anyway lets get back to C-3PO and his laser gun.
"Sanctuary for all. Community for all. Those who arrive survive."
It's a trap! Run! Cannibals!
This was an episode of The Walking Dead. Xavier Rodriguez is Rick Grimes.
The Walking Dead has gone on too long. Find the cure and end the show. One of the problems with TWD is i feel little for the 2nd generation of survivors. That's how i feel about book 4 of Hell Divers. Who are Les, Layla, Edgar, Vish, Sandy, and the others? X, Mags, Miles, and Pepper's story was interesting but the second group uhm i forgot their names not so much.
Giant octopuses, armored hogs, and man sized birds not to mention cannibals. Hey what's not to like about this book but feels that this would have worked better as a trilogy instead of a pentalogy.
C-3PO is a killer?
So how do they know how to pilot the USS Zion a Navy ship? Was the key left in the ignition? The radio and satellites work after sitting idol for over two centuries? Anyway lets get back to C-3PO and his laser gun.
June 20, 2022
The enormously exciting HELL DIVERS Series takes to the water in Book IV, WOLVES, and we discover a polarity of human nature, from altruism to sub-animal despicability. I enjoyed the descriptions of the new Nature (260 years post nuclear wasteland) and discovering more examples of how even in mutation evolution survives and thrives. Our intrepid human survivors uncover astonishing and traumatic revelations concerning the causes of the global nuclear war which nearly entirely destroyed human civilization as well as rendering the planet virtually uninhabitable. Once again, a breathtaking Science Fiction adventure!
June 24, 2022
Obsessed with this series!
November 6, 2018
See this and many more reviews on Brian's Book Blog
HD4 Enthralled Me From Beginning To End
I’m not sure whether to call this book Hell Divers IV or Wolves so I might go back and forth (and I’ll definitely throw in an HD4 for simplicity) – so please stick with me.
First and foremost. Good lord was this book fantastic. It opens with an epic fight against one sea creature. And within a few minutes, they are attacked by another one. I’m a big fan of “deep sea thrillers” and Wolves took some of my favorite elements from these books and threw them into a world decimated by bombs and left to thrive and evolve on its own after humans were basically wiped off the face of it. I also wasn’t sure why NSS called it wolves until a while into the book (and I won’t ruin it for you). I literally went “ohhh” out loud when he revealed it.
There are some main points that I want to cover because this book had a lot going on in it. One is that NSS is able to write an entire series without ever diving into politics. I wasn’t sure at one point of Wolves if he was going to go a little into it, but right when he could have finger-pointed and gone completely political he about-faced and threw me for a complete freaking loop. Seriously, I’m pretty good at guessing plot points and major “fake outs” but I did not see the major and massive plotline Smith wrote in HD4. It’s even harder because I can’t go into what happened that shocked me so much since it’s a pretty major spoiler, but know that for the first time in four books we have an idea of what the heck happened to cause the surface of Earth to become hell reincarnate.
(This point will contain spoilers from the other three books). Another point that I wanted to dive into (ahhh get it?) is the way that Smith is able to write a character who was a loner, then wasn’t (because of Tin), then was left to die so became a loner again. He found a dog and realized he didn’t want to be alone anymore. He’s finally found by his ship and doesn’t want to go back, and then is forced to go back and forth with this all during book 4. It’s amazing to watch the back and forth growth of X and the situational-specific feelings he was able to have. It’s something you rarely get since character arcs don’t look like waves they usually look like a rainbow or a diagonal line.
Hell Divers IV is one of those books that makes you feel – numerous times about a number of things. You feel for X, you feel for Miles, and for Tin. You feel for the people around him, for the people in the Hive, and for many others. Smith is able to write characters that feel real. X feels like a real person. The things that he thinks and says out loud feel real. I’ve never had characters jump off the page more than when I was reading the Hell Divers series and Wolves was no different. A few times I had to actually pause the audiobook just so that I could gather myself. One of those times was dealing with X’s dog, Miles, and I was damn near hyperventilating because of it.
The final point I wanted to make is that Smith is also able to write about human experiences in such a way that even though he’s writing speculative fiction about the future – it could be re-written as a narrative of things going on today. I love that and loved Hell Divers IV: Wolves more for it.
On top of all of this, throw in the master R.C. Bray’s performance and you have what could be one of my top 3 books of 2018. I know that I won’t forget this book for a long time. Bray’s performance of X specifically just seals the deal. It feels like it’s just an extension of Bray’s voice. I know if I chose to read vs listen to another HD book I would hear X’s voice as Bray.
I believe I’ve mentioned this in other reviews, but easily one of the best parts of the audiobook is when Bray has to say a place name different than how we know it (Florida as “Floor-id-a” for example). In an older book, it was Miami as “my-ah-my”. In Wolves, the one that got me was Chicago as “Chick-ah-go”. I know that saying these places had to be tough for Bray and I picture him saying it as a normal American would and then realizing it and having to go re-record it at least once.
If you’re looking for a new post-apocalyptic series to read, especially one that isn’t political (at all) but still has all the feeling then Hell Divers is for you. If you’ve read HD 1-3 and aren’t sure about 4, what’s wrong with you? I know that HD4 will stick with me until HD5 comes out (hopefully in 2019).
HD4 Enthralled Me From Beginning To End
I’m not sure whether to call this book Hell Divers IV or Wolves so I might go back and forth (and I’ll definitely throw in an HD4 for simplicity) – so please stick with me.
First and foremost. Good lord was this book fantastic. It opens with an epic fight against one sea creature. And within a few minutes, they are attacked by another one. I’m a big fan of “deep sea thrillers” and Wolves took some of my favorite elements from these books and threw them into a world decimated by bombs and left to thrive and evolve on its own after humans were basically wiped off the face of it. I also wasn’t sure why NSS called it wolves until a while into the book (and I won’t ruin it for you). I literally went “ohhh” out loud when he revealed it.
There are some main points that I want to cover because this book had a lot going on in it. One is that NSS is able to write an entire series without ever diving into politics. I wasn’t sure at one point of Wolves if he was going to go a little into it, but right when he could have finger-pointed and gone completely political he about-faced and threw me for a complete freaking loop. Seriously, I’m pretty good at guessing plot points and major “fake outs” but I did not see the major and massive plotline Smith wrote in HD4. It’s even harder because I can’t go into what happened that shocked me so much since it’s a pretty major spoiler, but know that for the first time in four books we have an idea of what the heck happened to cause the surface of Earth to become hell reincarnate.
(This point will contain spoilers from the other three books). Another point that I wanted to dive into (ahhh get it?) is the way that Smith is able to write a character who was a loner, then wasn’t (because of Tin), then was left to die so became a loner again. He found a dog and realized he didn’t want to be alone anymore. He’s finally found by his ship and doesn’t want to go back, and then is forced to go back and forth with this all during book 4. It’s amazing to watch the back and forth growth of X and the situational-specific feelings he was able to have. It’s something you rarely get since character arcs don’t look like waves they usually look like a rainbow or a diagonal line.
Hell Divers IV is one of those books that makes you feel – numerous times about a number of things. You feel for X, you feel for Miles, and for Tin. You feel for the people around him, for the people in the Hive, and for many others. Smith is able to write characters that feel real. X feels like a real person. The things that he thinks and says out loud feel real. I’ve never had characters jump off the page more than when I was reading the Hell Divers series and Wolves was no different. A few times I had to actually pause the audiobook just so that I could gather myself. One of those times was dealing with X’s dog, Miles, and I was damn near hyperventilating because of it.
The final point I wanted to make is that Smith is also able to write about human experiences in such a way that even though he’s writing speculative fiction about the future – it could be re-written as a narrative of things going on today. I love that and loved Hell Divers IV: Wolves more for it.
On top of all of this, throw in the master R.C. Bray’s performance and you have what could be one of my top 3 books of 2018. I know that I won’t forget this book for a long time. Bray’s performance of X specifically just seals the deal. It feels like it’s just an extension of Bray’s voice. I know if I chose to read vs listen to another HD book I would hear X’s voice as Bray.
I believe I’ve mentioned this in other reviews, but easily one of the best parts of the audiobook is when Bray has to say a place name different than how we know it (Florida as “Floor-id-a” for example). In an older book, it was Miami as “my-ah-my”. In Wolves, the one that got me was Chicago as “Chick-ah-go”. I know that saying these places had to be tough for Bray and I picture him saying it as a normal American would and then realizing it and having to go re-record it at least once.
If you’re looking for a new post-apocalyptic series to read, especially one that isn’t political (at all) but still has all the feeling then Hell Divers is for you. If you’ve read HD 1-3 and aren’t sure about 4, what’s wrong with you? I know that HD4 will stick with me until HD5 comes out (hopefully in 2019).
December 22, 2018
Somehow these books just keep getting better. Impressive writing, amazing plotting, and characters that keep things compelling. I didn't think the early books had the steam to keep things running this long. I was very wrong. The way book #4 ends, #5 is likely to be just as good.
November 29, 2018
I miss the excitement of the previous books.
January 26, 2020
Accept your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. Face your future without fear.
The series just gets better and better! The Hive, Deliverance, and The Sea Wolf are looking for a place to live on land. I don't know why, but the characters on the book covers remind me of Master Chief from Halo.
Xavier and Miles's bond is the best in this book. It reminds people that dogs are man's best friend. All of those years alone on Earth, Xavier and Miles's friendship grew until they were inseparable. It's just unbelievable.
Xavier has a rebellious spirit. He won't give up on anything until he dies. If Xavier goes down, his enemies go down with him. He's like that loyal friend that will do anything to ensure your safety even if he refuses to say he cares about you.
I can't wait to read the next series!
The series just gets better and better! The Hive, Deliverance, and The Sea Wolf are looking for a place to live on land. I don't know why, but the characters on the book covers remind me of Master Chief from Halo.
Xavier and Miles's bond is the best in this book. It reminds people that dogs are man's best friend. All of those years alone on Earth, Xavier and Miles's friendship grew until they were inseparable. It's just unbelievable.
Xavier has a rebellious spirit. He won't give up on anything until he dies. If Xavier goes down, his enemies go down with him. He's like that loyal friend that will do anything to ensure your safety even if he refuses to say he cares about you.
I can't wait to read the next series!
January 23, 2021
I love this series!
July 26, 2024
Kapow! But at sea!
December 7, 2018
3.0 - 3.5 ***
I skimmed through this book. It was more of the same. Non stop action. Mostly took place with X and Mags on a boat. This one ended on a cliffhanger. I'm glad I skimmed the series but I'm not crazy about he direction of the story so I may pass on the next book when it comes out Spring '19.
I skimmed through this book. It was more of the same. Non stop action. Mostly took place with X and Mags on a boat. This one ended on a cliffhanger. I'm glad I skimmed the series but I'm not crazy about he direction of the story so I may pass on the next book when it comes out Spring '19.
January 4, 2019
This starts off pretty much where the last book left off. X and Magnolia, along with his dog, Miles, are braving the dark ocean on board the Sea Wolf, searching for the ever elusive Metal Islands. What used to appear to be a myth is now looking more like the real thing. And Katrina is settling into her role as captain of both the Deliverance and the Hive. Her command comes with tough choices and a learning curve. As X and his motley crew deal with their demons from the deep, so Katrina deals with her own inner doubts and all the complications of making decisions for the good of the last remaining survivors of Earth.
Yes, I was hoping this would start with a bang, and it sure did. X and the gang are soon in over the heads as the author throws the book at them; killer sharks, a mutant kraken, giant vultures and man eating metal-skinned hogs. The action never really lets up. Not for the occupants of the Sea Wolf and not for those floating in the ships above. The author adds more danger with a surprise enemy or two.
As I neared the end of the book my anxiety was through the roof! It was exciting to see the crew from Deliverance finally land on the surface. They’d been there before, seen the horrific conditions, the deadly monsters, but they still weren’t ready for what they encountered. Some perish while others face what seem to me to be insurmountable odds. This is nothing new in the series. With mutant creatures ruling solid ground, death is always looming. What got me was a couple of scenes with Magnolia and Miles. The author had me in tears and that takes some doing with me. And a rescue scene with X had me so tied up in knots I feared to read on. Sure, X is a main characters and the all powerful alpha male, but that doesn’t mean he’ll survive and continue to the end of the series.
I was about to say this series keeps getting better and better, but that’s not necessarily what I want to convey. I can’t choose any book that is better than the other. Each books is awesome. The action is super fast. And the situations are mind blowing. Where it gets better in each book is the character growth and the secrets revealed. I finally learned how the world ended. I should have guessed it, but I didn’t.
Loved Wolves. Hell Divers IV. Love the Hell Divers Series. “They Dive So Humanity Survives.” And the author can’t write more fast enough. I have my fingers and toes crossed that these will be made into movies!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. My review is voluntarily given.
Yes, I was hoping this would start with a bang, and it sure did. X and the gang are soon in over the heads as the author throws the book at them; killer sharks, a mutant kraken, giant vultures and man eating metal-skinned hogs. The action never really lets up. Not for the occupants of the Sea Wolf and not for those floating in the ships above. The author adds more danger with a surprise enemy or two.
As I neared the end of the book my anxiety was through the roof! It was exciting to see the crew from Deliverance finally land on the surface. They’d been there before, seen the horrific conditions, the deadly monsters, but they still weren’t ready for what they encountered. Some perish while others face what seem to me to be insurmountable odds. This is nothing new in the series. With mutant creatures ruling solid ground, death is always looming. What got me was a couple of scenes with Magnolia and Miles. The author had me in tears and that takes some doing with me. And a rescue scene with X had me so tied up in knots I feared to read on. Sure, X is a main characters and the all powerful alpha male, but that doesn’t mean he’ll survive and continue to the end of the series.
I was about to say this series keeps getting better and better, but that’s not necessarily what I want to convey. I can’t choose any book that is better than the other. Each books is awesome. The action is super fast. And the situations are mind blowing. Where it gets better in each book is the character growth and the secrets revealed. I finally learned how the world ended. I should have guessed it, but I didn’t.
Loved Wolves. Hell Divers IV. Love the Hell Divers Series. “They Dive So Humanity Survives.” And the author can’t write more fast enough. I have my fingers and toes crossed that these will be made into movies!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. My review is voluntarily given.
November 18, 2018
Another great chapter in the series, they just keep getting better!
Do they always have to end on such grand cliffhangers though? I'm already jonesing for chapter V!!!!
Do they always have to end on such grand cliffhangers though? I'm already jonesing for chapter V!!!!
October 19, 2018
There is plenty going on in this story and all of it will make your pulse race. X is back and he’s neck-deep in trouble, battling horrific mutations both on land and sea. This poor guy just can’t catch a break.
Meanwhile, high above on the Hive and Deliverance, Captain DaVita is working on a plan to relocate the occupants of the airships to a relatively small, non-toxic area of Earth’s surface currently inhabited by a psychopath and his minions. HD4 continues the author's legacy of crazy-great writing combined with top notch action scenes.
Meanwhile, high above on the Hive and Deliverance, Captain DaVita is working on a plan to relocate the occupants of the airships to a relatively small, non-toxic area of Earth’s surface currently inhabited by a psychopath and his minions. HD4 continues the author's legacy of crazy-great writing combined with top notch action scenes.
January 10, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Hell Divers series. As with the rest of the series, this installment of the series continues to flow well and progress the story.
The residents of the Hive and the Deliverance are searching for a permanent home on the ground - something that seemed impossible until recently. That home goes by the name the "metal islands".
Nothing comes easy though as the divers again clash with old enemies.
Book 5 should be great based upon the ending of this book.
The residents of the Hive and the Deliverance are searching for a permanent home on the ground - something that seemed impossible until recently. That home goes by the name the "metal islands".
Nothing comes easy though as the divers again clash with old enemies.
Book 5 should be great based upon the ending of this book.
November 18, 2018
AMAZING! I really loved this and loved that there was a lot of X, my favorite
character. 🙂 This one was full of some nail biting action, and had such a huge
surprise that I loved! I can’t wait to see what the next book brings.
character. 🙂 This one was full of some nail biting action, and had such a huge
surprise that I loved! I can’t wait to see what the next book brings.
June 5, 2025
Hell Divers IV series 04 Wolves by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
This series is a mix of a number of dystopian adventures. At first, I thought it an aerial Silo story (Hugh Howey), and how it could actually coest...with a little work. Now, especially in this book, it has mixed that universe with Waterworld (the 1995 movie with Kevin Costner).
The world of Hell Divers is bleak, with very little "sunshine" (positives, and even the physical presence of the sun).
We have been "in the air" for 250+ years, which in many ways is miraculous in and of itself. Think about it. Honestly. How has that actually happened.
The belief that there is "somewhere" on this polluted and radioactive world...after a Thermonuclear War has occurred, and how humanity has somehow survived. Would you actually want to survive this? The living conditions on the the aerial ships, and how they are constantly putting their Hell Divers in "harm's way" to keep their ship(s) in the air...is amazing.
The Hell Divers are the heroes of this story (most essential), but they also are the ones that are dying at the highest rate. They expose themselves to the Hellscape of the land that has been nuked (over and over again), but also now has creatures that inhabit it...that have been spawned from this nuclear disaster.
Ugh.
...and now, we are trying to find this mythical area...where humanity can survive, when we come in contact with the creatures of the sea, but then the Floaters. Oof. And how they've survived...and how incompatible our heroes are from their way of life. Yikes!
I'm all in.
Next up, is Hell Divers 05 Captives. Let's go!
challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
This series is a mix of a number of dystopian adventures. At first, I thought it an aerial Silo story (Hugh Howey), and how it could actually coest...with a little work. Now, especially in this book, it has mixed that universe with Waterworld (the 1995 movie with Kevin Costner).
The world of Hell Divers is bleak, with very little "sunshine" (positives, and even the physical presence of the sun).
We have been "in the air" for 250+ years, which in many ways is miraculous in and of itself. Think about it. Honestly. How has that actually happened.
The belief that there is "somewhere" on this polluted and radioactive world...after a Thermonuclear War has occurred, and how humanity has somehow survived. Would you actually want to survive this? The living conditions on the the aerial ships, and how they are constantly putting their Hell Divers in "harm's way" to keep their ship(s) in the air...is amazing.
The Hell Divers are the heroes of this story (most essential), but they also are the ones that are dying at the highest rate. They expose themselves to the Hellscape of the land that has been nuked (over and over again), but also now has creatures that inhabit it...that have been spawned from this nuclear disaster.
Ugh.
...and now, we are trying to find this mythical area...where humanity can survive, when we come in contact with the creatures of the sea, but then the Floaters. Oof. And how they've survived...and how incompatible our heroes are from their way of life. Yikes!
I'm all in.
Next up, is Hell Divers 05 Captives. Let's go!
September 3, 2024
Grabbed up a whole bunch of these on a wild audible sale, and I’m finally getting back to it. R.C. Bray does yet another fantastic narration for the series.
I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but these have such a breakneck pace with so much action that they’re just so fun. I also realized during this one that I listen to my audiobooks fast, which means there’s hardly a breath between action beats.
Xavier takes to the sea, finally in sight of the paradise they so desperately seek. But sea monsters, radiation, and crazy storms aren’t the only thing that he’ll have to overcome. Tin, and the new captain will take on a different mission, this time in Cuba. The stakes are higher than ever, but the payoff is information for the reader!
Is finally finding a home in the sun worth entering an all-out war? Not to mention a war that they’re not even sure they can win…
And folks, we’ve finally got it! The full explanation as to why the world is the way it is! Remember this is an alt history scifi, where radiation is so high that the remnants of humanity have been forced to live in airships above the crazy weather patterns to survive. The need for repairs, supplies and answers, drives those willing to dive down to the surface for the sake of everyone else…the hell divers. For spoilers-sake, I won’t discuss the reason the world fell apart, but it brought to mind notes Horizon Zero Dawn and Terminator.
With new enemies and horrors, the suspense was at an all-time high, and I was just surprised to not have another run in with the sirens (at least for me, a favorite enemy). This one did feel kind of like the cliffhanger came out of nowhere I will say, kind of like we got half a climax, but I’m certainly on the edge of my seat for more. And finally we got the sea…and with it, SHARKS.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-hell-d...
I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but these have such a breakneck pace with so much action that they’re just so fun. I also realized during this one that I listen to my audiobooks fast, which means there’s hardly a breath between action beats.
Xavier takes to the sea, finally in sight of the paradise they so desperately seek. But sea monsters, radiation, and crazy storms aren’t the only thing that he’ll have to overcome. Tin, and the new captain will take on a different mission, this time in Cuba. The stakes are higher than ever, but the payoff is information for the reader!
Is finally finding a home in the sun worth entering an all-out war? Not to mention a war that they’re not even sure they can win…
And folks, we’ve finally got it! The full explanation as to why the world is the way it is! Remember this is an alt history scifi, where radiation is so high that the remnants of humanity have been forced to live in airships above the crazy weather patterns to survive. The need for repairs, supplies and answers, drives those willing to dive down to the surface for the sake of everyone else…the hell divers. For spoilers-sake, I won’t discuss the reason the world fell apart, but it brought to mind notes Horizon Zero Dawn and Terminator.
With new enemies and horrors, the suspense was at an all-time high, and I was just surprised to not have another run in with the sirens (at least for me, a favorite enemy). This one did feel kind of like the cliffhanger came out of nowhere I will say, kind of like we got half a climax, but I’m certainly on the edge of my seat for more. And finally we got the sea…and with it, SHARKS.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-hell-d...
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